BIOL 310
Creating a Nature Journal
Field Trip Information:
Transportation to field trip locations will be by school bus provided by Mid-Columbia Bus Company.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Refuge:
The Ladd Marsh Wildlife Refuge is located in the southern end of the Grande Ronde Valley, at 2,800 ft. elevation. A public overlook is located along Foothill Road about 5 miles south of La Grande, Oregon. There are no facilities available at the overlook site, but there is a parking area with good views of wetland areas. We will begin our trip there with an introduction to wetland ecology. We then will proceed to a walking route through the marsh, starting near a pond along Hot Lake Road and walking about 3/4 mile north-east to Hwy. 230. We will walk on a dyke, so students will not need to get their feet wet unless they want to.
Vascular Plant Species List for Ladd Marsh
Morgan Lake:
Morgan Lake is located on the ridge above La Grande, approximately 3 miles from town, at 4,000 ft. elev. It is a natural lake that has been enhanced with a dam at the north end. The area has thin-soiled sites with prairie vegetation, and deeper-soiled sites with Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. The lake is owned by the city of La Grande. It receives heavy use by area citizens and provides an excellent outdoor classroom for examing how we use our natural areas and parklands.
GROWISER at Pumpkin Ridge:
Pumpkin Ridge is located at the north end of the Grande Ronde Valley. It is the site of a non-profit oragnization called GROWISER, Grande Rondy Overlook Wildflower Institute Serving Ecological Restoration. Dr. Andy Huber, O.S.U. Crop Sciences professor at E.O.U. is developing techniques for growing and harvesting native plant seed for restoration projects in the area. A gravel road through the property climbs about a mile through wooded mixed coniferous forest to a spectacular view of the Grande Ronde Valley. The north slope of the property hosts a diverse flora, including a large population of Lady Slipper Orchids.
Vascular Plant Species List for Pumpkin Ridge
Aerial photograph of Pumpkin Ridge